About

$55,208

pledged of $20,000 goal

672

backers

The name Gettysburg means something to just about everyone, even
those who only know vague details. For three days in 1863, the course
of American history was cemented beneath the crush of two forces
desperate for a victory and unwilling to abandon the battlefield without
a decisive result. Now on the eve of the 150th Anniversary of the
Battle, it's your chance to lead the charge.

THE PROJECT

Mercury Games Inc. is pleased to offer you the chance to
participate in the production of Bowen Simmons' "The Guns of
Gettysburg".

If the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg had an
"official" game, this would be it! Fans of Bowen’s games have been waiting a while to see if The Guns of
Gettysburg would ever come to print. It was 2007 when Bowen’s last game,
Napoleon’s Triumph was released to critical acclaim (currently sits in the Top 10 All-Time Wargames on Boardgamegeek.com).

The Guns of Gettysburg, like his previous games, was developed
piece by piece in front of fans' very eyes through the use of a designer’s
blog. Fans have watched with anticipation as each phase of development was
explained and refined over several years. Then in late 2011 came the news that
Bowen was suffering from a debilitating condition and that his relationship the
printer had broken down. It looked like
The Guns of Gettysburg might not happen.

The team from Mercury Games, also being wargaming fans, were likewise
concerned that the title might not see the light of day. Reaching out to Bowen
in the spring of 2012, we were able to start the ball rolling that would
hopefully see this game on player’s tables by the 150th Anniversary
of the famous battle.

You can now help Mercury Games in the final push to get The
Guns of Gettysburg published. With your help the game can
be produced in a format that utilizes high-quality components that will make it
a proud companion of the established series.

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WHAT YOU GET

By pledging at any backer level, you'll receive 1 copy (or more, depending on backer level) of The Guns of Gettysburg when it is finished. This game will be made to the highest-quality
standards by a team of professionals.

For folks in the contiguous 48 States, we'll include shipping to you at no charge! Even folks in Hawaii/Alaska and most of Canada receive discounted shipping rates (see backer levels and below for more details).

You'll also receive any stretch goals that we hit along the
way - 1 set of stretch goal items for every copy.

Everyone loves stretch goals, and our project has some very
unique ones. However, we want to talk
for a moment about why we've chosen the ones that we did.

Mercury Games cares mostly about quality, and we would never
release a product that wasn't up to our standard of quality. Part of ensuring high quality products is
making the right choice at the start of the production process.

Some companies withhold components from backers as a
stretch goal, forcing them to "earn" the privilege of including it
in a game. Mercury Games is not one of
those companies.Because of this, we
want to let you know that we have chosen to use high-quality components such as
a fully-mounted game board, solid maple blocks, and solid cherry-wood player
racks right from the start. We wouldn't
be willing to include any less in our game, so it's not fair to hold
high-quality components for "ransom". You'll find that our project has less
stretch goals, but starts off with a much higher quality production value.

For the stretch goals that we do offer, we think you're
going to love them. Here they are:

Unlocked!

ONE REAL AMERICAN CIVIL WAR BULLET!

Description: Our first stretch goal is meant to share a real piece of the Civil War with each and every backer of this project. We really want to get this stretch goal to you, so we've put it first on the list!

This is the real-deal, folks! If we reach $50,000 in backers, every single
backer will receive, in a zip-lock bag, a real American Civil War bullet. These bullets are in top-grade
"dropped" condition, which means that a soldier has failed to fire it
for some reason.This is important
because if the bullets were fired, they were meant to warp by design (in order
to engage the rifling). This means that
a dropped bullet is generally more desirable because it still maintains its original
shape.

So, perhaps the soldier pulled out a different bullet and mistakenly dropped
yours, or perhaps a falling soldier caused his remaining rounds to scatter onto
the ground. Whatever the story behind
your bullet, we certify that it is real, and has been dug up at various
Civil War battlefields around the United States. This means that it has been lost to history for 150 years before finding
its way to you. Now you'll own a real
piece of American history.

NOTE: Though this
is a bullet, it is not a modern one.Therefore you should not worry about accidental firing since bullets of this time period no
longer have a propelling charge. There is no danger of accidental
firing. The bullet is likely to have a
whitish patina and perhaps even some light clumps of dirt (it's an
archaeological treasure, after all!), though we will be packing each one
individually into a zip-loc bag for safe-keeping.

For every copy of the game that we send out to our backers we'll include one of the following bullets to you (chosen at random from a mixed pool,
with the rarest bullets in shorter supply):

UNION "3-RING" BULLET (Most Common Type)

The Union 3-Ring Bullet was the most
widely used bullet in the Civil War. This Bullet was officially adopted by the US Army in 1855. The rings held
grease to help ease the bullet down the barrel as well as to collect powder
residue when fired. These rounds were extremely accurate within 350 yards,
although they could travel as far as 1500 yards.

UNION SHARPS CARBINE BULLET

The Sharps bullet was loaded in the
rear, or breech of the weapon’s barrel, hence the term “breech loaded.” These
bullets had either a linen or nitrate treated paper cartridge. The totally
combustible cartridge would burn fast and hot when ignited, providing the
soldiers with a more reliable ammunition even under damp conditions.

The Sharps were used primarily by
Federal Cavalry troops because the breach loader was easy to load on
horseback. However, both U.S. and Confederate Sharpshooters also favored the
bullet because of its reliability and fast firing rate, both important features
when attempting to make every bullet count.

CONFEDERATE GARDNER BULLET (Most Rare Type!)

The Gardner was patented on August
17, 1861 by the Confederate States of America.

The Gardner was unique because of how
the paper cartridge was attached to the bullet. Normally the paper was either
wrapped or tied around the body, but in the Gardner the paper was actually
inserted into a groove in the bullet’s base.

Description: If we
reach $75,000 in backers, we will supply all backers with a paper map of the
main game board printed on high-quality paper. This will be an exact copy of the main game
board.

This paper map could have several uses. Some might like to frame it for its
beauty. Others might prefer playing the
game on the paper map in order to allow to play it "under glass" (or
plexi).

In addition, for those that have read the rulebook we've
posted, you've probably noted that there is a fun variant included for more
than 2 players. This map can be used to
help add to the "limited information" between the commanding officer
player and the player actually moving the troops. Simply station the commanding officers in a
different room using the paper map, and instead of just the orders flowing one
way, now the player moving the troops is permitted to send messages back under
the exact same restrictions.

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Not yet unlocked!

Mystery Item - Can
we make it this far?

(See below for
more info on this stretch goal level)

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WHEN DO YOU GET YOUR
GAME?

Mercury Games believes that we can set a new standard in
Kickstarter delivery time.We have so
much faith in the value of this project that we've already dedicated many hours
to preparing the preliminary items for publication. If all goes well, this should mean that we are able to ship
the game to you in time for the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg
(July 1st - 3rd, 2013).

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LIMITED QUANTITY!

This speed of delivery comes at a cost, however. In order to meet such quick deadlines while
still maintaining our high level of quality, we are only able to print a very small quantity for our first print run as printer capacity is limited.

If this project does remarkably well, with signs that the
community wishes to have more copies made available for this campaign, we do
have the option available for an additional print run, which would mean more backer levels being added. However, this optional print run would only be ready for
delivery by September, 2013. This means
that if you want the game in time for the anniversary of the battle, you should
be sure to support it in the initial group of backers.

We cannot promise that a second set of backer levels will be
made available during this campaign. It's possible, but not guaranteed. If we did have a second set of backer levels, they would also receive
the stretch goals if supply was available (and you cannot exactly manufacture
Civil War relics!). We will make every
effort to ensure that supply can be found for all backers of a second print
run if it should occur.

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OKAY, SO WHAT'S WITH
THE $140,000 STRETCH GOAL?

Some of the more numerically-inclined people reading this
might have realized that reaching $140,000 is not possible with the current
number of backer spots available. This
is because of the limitations of our first print run.

In the event that we did open a second set of backer levels
(for delivery in September) and then we did reach $140,000 in backers, ALL
backers, including those from the first set of backer levels would receive the
$140,000 stretch goal. We will let everyone know what that stretch goal is
if/when we open the second set of backer levels.

And it's a pretty
cool item!

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INTERNATIONAL
CUSTOMERS

Please note that this project is only open to people in the
United States and Canada. We would love
to include other areas of the world, but after looking at the shipping quotes
we received, it is just not fair to ask people to pay so much for shipping the
game.

NOTE #1: Yes, the
bullets in the stretch goal are real and made from actual lead.

First, it's important to know that there is no gunpowder or
other propellant charge included with a bullet of this age. That means these bullets are no more in
danger of flying around the room than a marble or a rock would be.

However, since the bullet is made from lead, we wish to
remind you that it is a relic meant for viewing. Our recommendation is that you
keep it in the original zip-loc bag that we will seal it in. It is not a toy and should not be given to
children.

The bullet(s) sent to you will be chosen with a random
method.

We will allow customers who do not wish to receive a bullet
to "opt-out" during the end-of-campaign survey. By answering
"no" to the appropriate question in the survey, we'll
know to not send you one.

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SHIPPING TO
NON-CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES LOCATIONS

Please be sure to check your backer level in order to add the appropriate amount to your pledge. If your area is not listed, we consider you to be an international customer and are unable to allow you to participate directly in this campaign (however, see above for "International Customers").

IF YOU FORGET TO MANUALLY ADD THE INDICATED AMOUNT FOR YOUR AREA

We understand that
Kickstarter is new to a lot of you and we also understand that many people
have forgotten or do not know how to add the shipping costs. Unfortunately
neither Kickstarter nor Amazon Payments will let us ask our backers to add
shipping costs separately so we have to ask you to do it manually (Sorry about
the extra hassle). If you haven't added shipping costs please ensure that
you do so before the end of the project.

Here are the steps to make it
easier for you if you've forgotten to add in the correct amount when you
pledged:

1. Go to our Kickstarter page and log into your account.

2. Click the "Manage My Pledge" button on the top right hand corner, above the backer options.

3. Manually add the shipping costs in addition to your existing pledge. For
example if you pledged the $70 option and you live in the Hawaii, manually
enter the value $95 ($70 + $25). DO NOT change the current pledge to
only say $25 as this will not add to your total pledge - instead it will change
your pledge to $25 total.

4. Click next and continue to checkout through Amazon Payments like you did the
first time.

Please note that you will NOT
be double charged if you change your pledge in this manner.
Only the last pledge you entered will be left in the system. Once the project is approved, Amazon Payments
will not allow us to assess the correct charges if you fail to enter the
proper shipping total, and your pledge may be delayed (while we try to contact
you) or cancelled/refunded at our discretion.

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A
NOTE OF THANKS

It is our privilege to be publishing
The Guns of Gettysburg. Such a game
brings us all closer to this important moment in history.

We'd like to thank you for
supporting this project - such a wonderful production would not be possible
without your help.

Mercury Games, "The Guns of Gettysburg" and "Fun by the Foot!" are trademarks of Mercury Games Inc.

Risks and challenges

As a professional publishing company, we believe that we have the ability to manage any risks associated with publishing. However, there are several third-party services that we enlist which are not entirely within our control, and which could result in late delivery, or damaged/defective products.

For example, we ship our games on a container ship - which could sink, or run into trouble sending our container plummeting to the bottom of the ocean.

Or the printer might mistakenly send us comic books instead of the games we've ordered.

These kinds of risks are remote, and we take steps (such as insurance) to help protect against these calamities. No project can ever be incident-proof, but our experience in the industry, coupled with our desire to take a hands-on approach to publishing, allows the process to be as smooth as one could reasonably expect.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge $70 or more
About $70

"General Lee in Support" Level - One copy of "The Guns of Gettysburg" INCLUDING shipping to you anywhere in the contiguous United States. You will also receive all stretch goals obtained during this campaign!

Alaska and Hawaii pledgers, you'll need to manually add $25 to your pledge for shipping. Canadian customers in ON, AB, BC, or QC, please add $15. Canadian customers in SASK, NS, NB, NFLD/LAB, PEI should add $25. We do not ship to NWT, Yukon, or Nunavut.

Because of high shipping costs outside these areas, we are unable to ship to any location not listed above, including all international locations. However, INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS should read our campaign description to discover ways to obtain a copy of the game.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $130 or more
About $130

"Logistics Wins Battles" Support Level - Two copies of "The Guns of Gettysburg" INCLUDING shipping to you anywhere in the contiguous United States. You will also receive 2 sets of all stretch goals obtained during this campaign!

Shipment of both copies must take place together and be delivered to the same destination.

Alaska and Hawaii pledgers, you'll need to manually add $35 to your pledge for shipping. Canadian customers in ON, AB, BC, or QC, please add $15. Canadian customers in SASK, NS, NB, NFLD/LAB, PEI should add $25. We do not ship to NWT, Yukon, or Nunavut.

Because of high shipping costs outside these areas, we are unable to ship to any location not listed above, including all international locations. However, INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS should read our campaign description to discover ways obtain a copy of the game for themselves.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $240 or more
About $240

"Raiding Party!" Support Level - Four copies of "The Guns of Gettysburg" INCLUDING shipping to you anywhere in the contiguous United States. You will also receive 4 sets of all stretch goals obtained during this campaign!

Shipment of all copies must take place together and be delivered to the same destination.

Alaska and Hawaii pledgers, you'll need to manually add $50 to your pledge for shipping. Canadian customers in ON, AB, BC, or QC, please add $25. Canadian customers in SASK, NS, NB, NFLD/LAB, PEI should add $40. We do not ship to NWT, Yukon, or Nunavut.

Because of high shipping costs outside these areas, we are unable to ship to any location not listed above, including all international locations. However, INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS should read our campaign description to discover ways obtain a copy of the game.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

"Honored Veteran" Support Level - Ever wanted to talk games with a real publisher? Maybe you have a personal design you want feedback on, or some other questions to ask? At this level of support, you receive a copy of "The Guns of Gettysburg" along with a signed letter of thanks from everyone at Mercury Games. But in addition, we'll invite you to join us for a Skype Conference Call where we'll give you some insight into our upcoming products, but also any topics that you want to ask us about. We'll spend at least 30 minutes talking with you about games (our favorite topic!). Scheduling the time of the conference will be handled on an "as available" basis - we'll find a time that works for everyone! Though this backer level has a limited quantity of 10 backers, your conference call will be one-on-one with Mercury Games!